Pressure-influenced metering accuracy in water distribution systems: experimental assessment of multi-jet, volumetric, and ultrasonic water meters

This study evaluates the impact of water pressure on the accuracy of new customer water meters, including multi-jet (R100, R160, R200), volumetric (R200), and ultrasonic (R400) types. Fifty meters were tested under five pressure levels (0.8–6.0 bar) and nine flow rates (12–3125 L/h) in a controlled laboratory setting. Starting flow rates, measurement errors, error curves, and weighted errors were analyzed. Results show that multi-jet and ultrasonic meters are sensitive to pressure variations, exhibiting increased under-registration at low pressures. In contrast, volumetric meters demonstrated consistent and pressure-independent performance, with slightly positive errors. The findings can inform utilities in selecting meter technologies appropriate for different pressure levels, thereby reducing apparent losses. The study highlights the importance of selecting meter types according to system-specific pressure conditions, particularly in pressure-managed water distribution systems, to improve measurement reliability and reduce apparent losses.